Depression
Get Freedom From Depression
Changes in mood are common and a natural response to the everyday changes in life. Those who suffer from depression however, often experience feelings of despair and intense sadness that typically last over an extended period of time and can be very difficult to manage. These feelings can be overwhelming and can quickly cause a person to spiral out of control.
Millions of people suffer from depression and it can affect almost every aspect of their life including work, relationships, and physical health. The onset of depression can spiral out of control quickly, adding to the feelings of hopelessness that accompany depression. It is important to seek help, if you, or someone you know is suffering from depression. The sooner that treatment begins, the easier it is to regain control of your life.
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Symptoms
There are many symptoms of depression, and each person is slightly different. However, most people find that they are overcome with intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness and exhaustion. Other symptoms of depression include withdrawing from social activities, loss of focus, and sleeping too much or too little. In some cases, depression symptoms can appear as irritability, hostility or anger. Thoughts of self-harm and suicide are also symptoms of depression. If you, or anyone you know has engaged in this behavior, take it seriously. Seeking treatment quickly means taking control of your own life again.
Links Between Depression and Substance Abuse
Depression can be a trigger for substance abuse, and substance abuse can lead to depression. When these two issues are diagnosed at the same time, it is called a dual diagnosis. Once a dual diagnosis of depression and substance abuse is made, the treatment schedule must change in order to be effective. It is common for people who are dealing with depression to turn to drugs or alcohol in order to escape the symptoms of depression.
Self-medication may seem to provide relief, but it is short-lived and can make the depression worse. Regardless of what came first, it is a complex situation in which both issues come to rely on each other. It is common to see depression symptoms increase as one seeks sobriety. The complex nature of a depression and substance abuse dual diagnosis means that treatment needs to integrate solutions for both so that one issue does not cause another to return.
Signs of Depression & Substance Abuse
There is a strong connection between depression and substance abuse. Self-medication is a common sign of depression. Individuals will try to escape the negative feelings they experience from depression with substances like drugs and alcohol. Another characteristic of depression and substance abuse is engaging in risky behavior that an individual would typically not partake in.
The most common symptom of addiction is the inability to stop using a certain substance. Cravings and compulsion are intense and do not go away until the needed substance is used. The recurring use of the substance, and its escalation occur with addiction as the body begins to become tolerant to the substance. This means that the body requires larger amounts to achieve the same effects. Any attempts at stopping are met with withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, nausea, and cold sweats. Continued use of the substance affecting work, home life and other responsibilities are also indicative of a substance abuse problem. Many people will feel guilt and sadness after using the substance regardless of their attempt to feel better by using it in the first place, and the cycle of depression continues.
Effective Dual Diagnosis Treatment
When a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and depression has been made, it is necessary to dig deep and uncover the underlying reasons and causes for each problem. Every case is different because everyone’s story is unique and every addiction manifests itself in different ways. With personalized treatment from experienced, highly qualified staff, a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and depression can be managed and recovery is capable. The first step is to make the call and get into our facility for help.
Some of the treatments we offer include group therapy, family therapy, recover groups, education services, relapse prevention and 12-step meetings. At Beachway, we work to provide you with a great deal of individual sessions as well so you can get the most out of your experience. The tools that work for one, may not work for another and we strive to discover what approach will help you reach your best. If you feel that you, or someone you know may have issues with substance abuse, don’t hesitate to take that first step toward gaining control again. The first step is the hardest, but it’s the most important.